Aurora

Education

Research

Current

About VU Amsterdam

Bachelor's programmes

Master's programmes

VU for Professionals

Exchange programme

VU Amsterdam Summer School

Honours Programme

Dutch language courses (NT2)

Semester in Amsterdam

PhD at VU Amsterdam

Featured research

Prizes and distinctions

Interdisciplinary research institutes

Scientists of VU Amsterdam

Research Impact Support Portal

Create impact with your research

News

Events calendar

Moving towards a healthier future

VU UPDATE: Situation in Israel and the Palestinian regions

Culture at VU Amsterdam

Practical matters

Mission, core values and vision

Entrepreneurship on VU Campus

Governance of VU Amsterdam

Valorisation and impact

Partnering with VU Amsterdam

VU Alumni Community

Take a look at our vacancies!

Aurora

Aurora brings together European universities to help students and staff to gain the skills and perspectives needed to tackle real-world challenges as social entrepreneurs and innovators.

Founded in 2016, Aurora is made up of nine leading research-focused universities across the EU, all dedicated to making a positive impact on society and staying connected with local communities.

In 2020, Aurora's collaboration took a big step forward with the launch of the Aurora European Universities Alliance, approved by the European Commission. This opened up even more opportunities for joint activities and engagement. If you’re interested in learning more or getting involved, feel free to reach out to Institutional Coordinator Esmee Paques.

Curious about the opportunities we offer? Check below to see which ones are currently open for applications!

Co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union

This project has received funding from the European Union´s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101035804

Become an Aurora Student Ambassador

Don't miss your chance to get involved

Apply now

Aurora courses

Aurora organises all sorts of courses for member universities

Check out the course catalogue

Courses and opportunities for students

The Aurora network offers students valuable international opportunities across Europe. Through exchange programmes, research collaborations, and social impact projects students can study abroad, tackle global challenges, and contribute to sustainable development. With Aurora, students can expand their academic, professional, and personal horizons while building a network.

Are you a VU student and do you want to follow an Aurora course abroad at one of our partner universities? Please have a look on this webpage for more information and instructions on how to apply.

Opportunities and training for staff

The Aurora network provides researchers and staff with unique collaboration opportunities across European universities. Through joint research on societal challenges, innovative teaching practices, and shared resources, members can tackle pressing issues like sustainability and social impact.

We also offer workshops, funding support, and networking events, fostering professional growth and international connections. By joining activities from the Aurora network, you can contribute to a community dedicated to inclusive, impactful education and research.

You may have heard of us, but you might not be sure exactly what we do. The exciting news is that you can also be part of Aurora — whether you’re a student, teacher, or researcher!

There are various opportunities to get involved: you can connect with people from around the world, exchange ideas, and learn together. Or, if you prefer, you might want to check out one of our digital courses. In this video, we’ll explain how you can get involved.

Explore the Aurora Course Catalogue

Aurora: a name you often hear within VU Amsterdam. But what exactly happens within this European network? And who ensures everything runs smoothly?

VU EduNews sat down with Ramon Puras, Secretary General of Aurora, for a behind-the-scenes look, his views on higher education, and what inspires him.

Read the interview